Is Milk Teeth Important?
It is very important to maintain milk teeth health. Neglected cavities in primary
teeth frequently lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. milk
teeth - or baby teeth - are important for
Eruption Time Of Child's Teeth
Milk teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first baby teeth
to erupt are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors.
Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the time and order of their
eruption varies.
Permanent teeth start appearing around age 6, First permanent teeth erupt with the
first molars and lower central incisors. At age 8, you can generally expect the
lower 4 primary teeth (the lower central and lateral incisors) and the upper 4 primary
teeth (the upper central and lateral incisors) to be gone and permanent teeth to
have taken their place. There is a one to two year ages 8 to10 is break time and
then the rest of the permanent teeth will start to come in. This process goes until
approximately age 21.
Adults have 28 to 32 permanent teeth including the third molars (called wisdom teeth).
Dental Emergencies
Clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly. Rinse your mouth vigorously with
warm water, or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris. DO NOT place
any medicine (aspirin) on the gum or on the aching tooth. If your face is swollen,
apply a cold compression and contact your dentist immediately.
Apply ice to the affected area(s). If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure
with a gauze or cloth. If the bleeding stops then ok but cannot be controlled by
simple pressure, call a doctor or visit the emergency room.
If possible, find out the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown portion, and be careful
not to touch the root portion. You may rinse the tooth with tap running water but
DO NOT clean or handle the tooth excessively.
Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to replace it in its socket.
Hold the tooth in place by gently biting on a gauze or clean cloth.
If you cannot replace the tooth, place the tooth in a cup containing the saliva
of the person that lost it, or use milk, but NOT water.
The tooth may also be carried in the mouth beside the cheek. The person who lost
their tooth must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving
the tooth.)
Contact your dentist immediately.primary motive is to stop bleeding from knocked
out teeth Unlike a permanent tooth, the baby tooth should not be replanted because
of the possible damage to the developing permanent tooth. In most cases, no treatment
is required.
In this time is a critical factor, contact your dentist immediately to minimize
the chance of infection or the need for extensive dental treatment.
First of all rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
try to find out the broken tooth piece, bring it with you to the dentist in a glass
of milk, or the person's saliva. D'NOT USE WATER TO TRANSPORT A CHIPPED TOOTH.
Contact your dentist asap.
Call 112 immediately or take your child to the nearest emergency room or call 104
for ambulance.
Keep the jaw from moving and try to stabalize it and take your child to the nearest
emergency room.
Dental Radiographs (X-Rays)
Radiographs (X-Rays) are very important for your child’s dental diagnostic process.
Without them, certain dental conditions can be missed.
Radiographs allow dentists to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be
detected only by a clinical examination, and they detect much more than cavities.
For example, radiographs may be needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases,
evaluate the site of an injury, or plan orthodontic treatment/ braces. If dental
problems are detacted and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your
child and more affordable for you.
The Dentist recommends radiographs and examinations every six months for children
with a high risk of tooth decay. On average, most dentists recommends radiographs
approximately once a year. Approximately every 3 years, it is a good idea to obtain
a complete set of radiographs, either a opg and bitewings or periapicals and bitewings.
Dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of their patients to
radiation. With contemporary safeguards, the amount of radiation received in a dental
X-ray examination is very small. The risk is allmost negligible. In fact, dental
radiographs represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental
problem.
What's The Best Toothpaste For Child?
Tooth brushing is one of the primary tasks for good oral health. But, many toothpastes
and tooth polishes can damage young smiles with harsh abrasives, which can wear
away young tooth enamel. When looking for a toothpaste for your child, make sure
to pick one that is recommended by the Usha Smile Care(USC), as shown on the box
and tube. These toothpastes are tested to insure they are safe to use.
A child less than 3 years of age use only a smear of toothpaste (the size of a grain
of rice) to brush the teeth of. For children 3 to 6 years old, you can use a pea-sized
amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. But keep
in mind that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively
on their own. Children should not swallow excess toothpaste during brushing
Does Your Child Grind His Teeth At Night? (Bruxism)
Parents are concerned about their children grinding their treeth while they sleep
(bruxism). Often, The noise created by the grinding is the first indication of bruxism
or, the parent may notice teeth wearing down. According to one theory psychology
affects bruxism. Stress due to a new environment, divorce, changes at school, etc.
can influence a child to grind their teeth. Another theory says pressure in the
inner ear. If there are pressure changes (like in an airplane during take-off and
landing, when people are chewing gum, etc.) the child will grind by moving their
jaw to relieve this pressure.
The majority of cases of child bruxism do not require any treatment. If it leds
to excessive wear of the teeth - attrition - is present, then a nightly mouth guard
may be prescribed. The good part is that most children outgrow bruxism. The grinding
typically decreases between the ages of 6-9 and children tend to stop grinding altogether
between ages 9-12. If you suspect bruxism, discuss this with your pediatrician or
dentist.
What to do for Thumb Sucking
Sucking is a natural reflex in infants and young children. Child may use thumbs,
fingers, pacifiers and other objects on which to suck. It makes them feel secure
and happy, or provides a sense of security during difficult periods. Since thumb
sucking is relaxing, it may induce sleep.
If thumb sucking persists beyond the eruption of the permanent teeth can cause problems
with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment, and the it depends on the
intensity at which a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will determine whether or
not dental problems may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their
mouths are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs.
Children should stop thumb sucking by the time their permanent front teeth are ready
to erupt. Usually, children cease between the ages of 2 and 4. Peer pressure causes
many school-aged children to stop.
Pacifiers are no substitute for thumb sucking. They can affect the teeth essentially
the same way as sucking thumbs. However, pacifier use can be controlled and modified
more easily than the thumb or finger habit. Consult your dentist if you have concerns
about thumb sucking or pacifier use.
What Is Pulp Therapy?
Inside the tooth, under the enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft
tissue called pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue
and form the hard tissues surrounding the tooth during development. The pulp extends
from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots - where it connects to the tissues
surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooth's growth and development
The purpose of pulp therapy in Pediatric Dentistry is to keep the vitality of the
affected tooth so that the tooth is not lost.
Pulp therapy done in teeth with dental caries (cavities) and traumatic injury. Pulp
therapy is often referred to as a "nerve treatment", "children's root canal", "pulpectomy"
or "pulpotomy". The two common forms of pulp therapy in children's teeth are the
pulpotomy and pulpectomy.
Pulpotomy is done to removes the diseased pulp tissue within the crown portion of
the tooth. Next, an agent is placed to prevent bacterial growth and to calm the
remaining nerve tissue.Then a final restoration is done, which is usually a stainless
steel crown.
A pulpectomy is usally done when the entire pulp is affected into the root canal
of the tooth. In this treatment, the diseased pulp tissue is completely removed
from both the crown and root. In this the canals are cleansed, disinfected and,
in the case of primary teeth, filled with a resorbable material. after that, a final
restoration is placed. A pulpectomy in case of a permanent tooth would be filled
with a non- resorbing material.
What Is The Best Age For Orthodontic Treatment?
If you notice developing malocclusions - or bad bites - can be as early as 2-3 years
of age. In this, early steps can be taken to reduce the need for major orthodontic
treatment at a later age.
Stage I – Early Treatment: This period of treatment encompasses ages 2 to
6. At this young age, we are concerned with underdeveloped dental arches, the premature
loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits such as finger or thumb sucking. Treatment
initiated in Usha Smile Care during this stage of development is often very successful
and many times, though not always, can eliminate the need for future orthodontic/orthopedic
treatment.
Stage II – Mixed Dentition: This period covers the ages of 6 to 12, with
the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and 6 year molars. Treatment
concerns deal with jaw malrelationships and dental realignment problems. According
to Usha Smile Care specialist this is an excellent stage to start treatment, when
indicated, as your child’s hard and soft tissues are usually very responsive to
orthodontic or orthopedic forces.
Stage III – Adolescent Dentition: This stage deals with the permanent teeth
and the development of the final bite relationship.
Adult Teeth Coming In Behind Baby Teeth
This is a most common occurrence with children, and is usually the result of a lower
milk tooth not falling out when the permanent tooth is erupting. In most cases,
it will usually fall out on its own within two months. If it doesn't, then contact
your dentist at Usha Smile Care because they can easily remove the tooth. The permanent
tooth should then slide into its proper place.
Early Infant Oral Care (Perinatal & Infant Oral Health)
The Usha Smile Care (USC) recommends that all pregnant women receive oral healthcare
and counseling during pregnancy.Because research has shown evidence that periodontal
disease can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Talk to your
doctor or dentist about ways you can prevent periodontal disease during pregnancy.
Additionally, mothers with poor oral health may be at a greater risk of passing
cavity-causing bacteria to their young children. Mother's should follow these simple
steps to decrease the risk of spreading the bacteria.
Visit your dentist regularly.
Child's first dental visit
Parents can make their first visit enjoyable and positive. If old enough, your child
should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist at Usha Smile Care (USC)
and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do
concerning the visit, the better.
It is best if you avoid using words around your child that might cause unnecessary
fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. Specialist at Usha Smille Care make a
practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening
to the child.
When Will My Baby Start Getting Teeth?
Teething is the process of milk teeth coming through the gums into the mouth. It
varies among individual babies; some babies get their teeth early and some get them
late. In general, the first baby teeth to appear are usually the lower front (anterior)
teeth and they usually begin erupting between the age of 6-8 months.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (Early Childhood Caries)
One serious form of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This
is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant’s teeth to sugary liquids.
Among these liquids are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice and other
sweetened drinks.
Putting a baby away for a nap, or to bed at night with a bottle containing liquids
other than water can cause serious and rapid tooth decay. Sweet liquid pools around
the child’s teeth giving plaque bacteria an opportunity to produce acids that attack
tooth enamel. If you must give the baby a bottle as a comforter at bedtime, it should
contain only water. If your child won't fall asleep without the bottle and its usual
beverage, gradually dilute the bottle's contents with water over a period of two
to three weeks.
Specialist at Usha Smile Care(USC) recommands after each feeding, wipe the baby’s
gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad gentaly to remove plaque. The
easiest way to do this is to sit down and place the child’s head in your lap. Or,
you can lay the child on a dressing table or the floor. Whatever position you use,
be sure you can see into the child’s mouth easily.
Sippy Cups
Sippy cups should be used as a training tool to transition your child from the bottle
to a cup. If your child uses a sippy cup throughout the day, keep in mind fill the
sippy cup with water only, except at mealtimes when you can use other sugar free
beverages in moderation. If you are filling the sippy cup with liquids that contain
sugar like milk, fruit juice, sports drinks, etc., and allowing a child to drink
from it throughout the day, it soaks the child’s teeth in cavity causing bacteria.Water
should be your child's bevevrage of choice, and what they drink most often.
Prevention (Care Of Your Child's Teeth)
Brushing Tips
Flossing Tips
How Diet Affect Teeth Health
Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Like the rest of the body, teeth, bones
and the soft tissues of the mouth need a well-balanced diet. Children should eat
a variety of foods from the five major food groups. Most pre-packaged snacks that
children eat can lead to cavity formation. Thus, the more frequently a child snacks,
the greater the chance for tooth decay. How long food remains in the mouth also
plays a role. For example, hard candy and breath mints stay in the mouth a long
time, which cause longer acid attacks on tooth enamel.Specialist Usha Smile Care(USC)
suggests If your child must snack, choose nutritious foods such as vegetables, low-fat
yogurt, and low-fat cheese, which are healthier and better for children’s teeth.
How Do I Prevent Cavities?
Most important thing to mantain good oral hygiene removes bacteria and the left
over food particles that combine to create cavities. For infants, use a wet gauze
or clean washcloth to wipe the plaque from teeth and gums. Avoid putting your child
to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water. See "Baby Bottle Tooth
Decay" for more information.
For older children, brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a
time. Also, watch the number of snacks containing sugar that you give your children.
The Usha Smile Care specialist recommends visiting the dentist every six months,
beginning at your child’s first birthday. Routine visits will start your child on
a lifetime of good dental health.
USC specialist may also recommend protective sealants or home fluoride treatments
for your child. Sealants can be applied to your child’s molars to prevent decay
on hard to clean surfaces.
Seal Out Decay
A sealant is a protective coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the
back teeth (premolars and molars), where four out of five cavities in children are
found. Sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque and acid, thus protecting the decay-prone
areas of the teeth.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element which has shown to prevent tooth decay
by as much as 50-70%. For children younger than 8 years old, fluoride actually helps
strengthen the adult teeth that are developing beneath their gums.
Awareness of a child's potential sources of fluoride can help parents prevent the
possibility of dental fluorosis.
Some sources of fluoride are
Two and three-year olds may not be able to spit out toothpaste when brushing. As
a result, younger children may ingest an excessive amount of fluoride when brushing.
Toothpaste ingestion during this period of permanent tooth development is the greatest
risk factor for developing of fluorosis.
Mouth Guards
Oral injuries can occur if you participate in recreational activities and organized
sports. Which makes a properly fitted mouth guard - or mouth protector - an important
piece of athletic gear that can help protect your smile. A mouth guard should be
used during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth.
Mouth guards help prevent broken teeth, injuries to the lips, tongue, face, and
jaw. A properly fitted mouth guard will stay in place while you're wearing it, making
it easy for you to talk and breathe.
Ask your dentist about custom and store-bought mouth protectors.
Beware of Sports Drinks
Sports drinks have erosive properties and the ability to dissolve fluoride-rich
enamel that can lead to cavities. The negative effects of sports drinks are due
to the dense sugar content and the high amount of acid.
Children should avoid sports drinks and hydrate with water before, during and after
sports to minimize dental problems.
If sports drinks are consumed: